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Kidney & Urinary Health
Question #20916
45 days ago
96

how to improve kidney health - #20916

Shlok

I am really worried about my kidney health lately which is strange because I thought I was taking okay care of myself. I've been drinking plenty of water – or at least trying to – but still I feel like something isn't right. A few weeks ago, I started having these horrible back pains right above my kidneys and noticed I’ve been feeling kinda bloated no matter what I eat. I went to my doctor, they did some tests and told me my blood pressure was a bit high too and I might need to think about how to improve kidney health. That’s when it hit me like, wow, I really need to pay attention to this! But I honestly don’t know where to start, like is it really just about drinking more water? And what about my diet? I mean, I thought I was eating healthy, but now I’m questioning everything. Should I be cutting out salt completely? How much exercise do I even need to do to help? I read online that there are foods that can help out, but how do I know what to choose? I'm feeling kinda lost here and just want to feel better and really need advice on how to improve kidney health. What do you guys recommend?

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Doctors' responses

Improving kidney health involves several factors beyond just drinking water, and it sounds like you’re already on the right track by wanting to learn more about it. Let’s break it down a bit. First off, managing your blood pressure is crucial because high blood pressure can strain your kidneys over time. Reducing sodium is a step in the right direction—it doesn’t mean cutting salt completely, but be mindful of your intake, especially from processed foods. Aim for no more than 2,300 milligrams a day, or less if advised by your doctor. As for your diet, focusing on a balanced diet that’s rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help. Foods like red bell peppers, cabbage, and berries are known to be kidney-friendly due to their low potassium content. Also, maintaining a healthy weight through regular exercise—about 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity like walking or cycling per week—can make a significant impact. Staying hydrated indeed helps, but it’s about quality as much as quantity—plain water is best, and try to limit sugary and caffeine-heavy drinks. If you’re feeling bloated, pay attention to your body’s response to specific foods and consider keeping a food diary to see if any foods are causing it. Avoid excessive use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, which can affect kidney function. It’s also essential to monitor other risk factors, such as diabetes, that might impact your kidneys profoundly. Since you’re already under a physician’s care, keep them informed of any new or worsening symptoms, such as blood in urine or persistent fatigue, as these might need immediate attention. Always work in tandem with your healthcare provider to tailor these suggestions to your personal health needs.

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